Understanding Osteoarthritis of the Hip

A joint is a place where 2 or more bones meet. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. It's formed where the ball at the top of the thighbone (femur) rests in the socket in the pelvic bone. The hip joint allows the leg to move freely in many directions.

Hip osteoarthritis is a condition where parts of the hip joint wear out. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited movement. 

What is osteoarthritis?

All joints contain a smooth tissue called cartilage. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones, helping them glide against each other. Hip osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the hip joint starts to break down and wear away. The ball and socket bones may then become exposed and rub together. The cartilage may become rough and pitted. It may start to wear away. This prevents smooth movement of the joint and can lead to pain.

Front view of the hip joint with arthritis.

Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip

Causes can include:

  • Wear and tear from normal use of the hip over time

  • Overuse of the hip during sports or work activities

  • Being overweight. This increases stress on the hip joint.

  • Hip injury

  • Hip joint infection

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip

The main symptom of hip osteoarthritis is pain. The pain is most often felt in the groin area. It may also travel down the leg to the knee or to the back of the hip. The pain usually gets worse with activity, such as walking or climbing stairs. The pain may get better with rest. The joint may also be stiff first thing in the morning or after sitting or lying down. Stiffness usually gets better with movement.

Treating osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis is a long-term (chronic) condition. Treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription medicines taken by mouth to help ease pain and swelling

  • Shots of medicine into the joint to help ease symptoms for a time

  • A weight-loss plan if you're overweight

  • A plan of physical therapy and exercises to improve strength and flexibility around the joint

  • Cold or heat packs to help ease pain and stiffness

  • Assistive devices that help with movement, such as a cane or a walker

  • Assistive devices that make activities of daily life easier, such as raised toilet seats or shower bars

If other treatments don’t do enough to ease severe symptoms, you may need surgery to replace the joint. This surgery replaces the hip joint with an artificial joint. It can help ease pain and stiffness and improve hip function.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your provider right away if you have any of these:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

  • Symptoms that don’t get better with prescribed medicines, or that get worse

  • New symptoms